A Mother’s Mission: How One Homeschooling Mom of 9 Is Transforming Bilingual Education for Black Children

Education is often described as the gateway to opportunity, but for many Black children, access to diverse educational resources—especially in the realm of bilingual learning—remains limited. One woman is determined to change that. As a homeschooling mother of nine children, bilingual book author, and foreign language influencer, Shylene Santiago is on a mission to create the representation and tools that children of color need to thrive in a multilingual world.

Her story is not just about books—it’s about creating bridges between cultures, expanding opportunities, and reshaping how Black children see themselves in education.

A Mother’s Journey to Empower Through Language

As a mother of nine children, Shylene understands the power of education firsthand. Her home is a bustling environment of learning, where curiosity and exploration fuel everything from math to language. But as she navigated her journey of homeschooling, she noticed a critical gap: resources that introduced children of color to foreign languages in ways that felt culturally relevant and accessible.

“I couldn’t find books that reflected my children’s experiences or showcased characters who looked like them,” she explains. “Our children don’t often see themselves as part of the multilingual world, and I wanted to change that. If they can see themselves, they’ll believe they belong.”

This gap sparked her idea to create beginner bilingual books that introduce children to different languages while celebrating their identity. Her books aren’t just educational—they’re vibrant, colorful, and culturally inclusive, designed to excite children about learning languages.

Representation in Every Page

Representation isn’t just a buzzword for Shylene; it’s central to her mission. Her books feature characters that reflect the diversity of Black and Brown communities, ensuring that children feel seen and celebrated. But her approach goes beyond visuals—she collaborates with professionals, educators, and community leaders, including celebrities, to make sure the content is both accurate and engaging.

“I’ve worked with professionals and influencers who understand the importance of cultural relevance,” she says. “These collaborations allow us to create books that aren’t just tools for learning—they’re tools for empowerment.”

Her books introduce children to a variety of languages, from Spanish and French to less commonly taught languages like Swahili, ensuring that her readers gain exposure to the linguistic diversity that exists around them. “I want my books to be the spark that gets children excited about exploring the world,” she shares.

Why Bilingual Education Is Crucial for Black Children

Research has long shown the cognitive, social, and economic benefits of bilingualism. But for Black and underserved communities, access to these benefits often comes at a cost—either financial or due to the lack of available resources. Shylene Santiago is tackling this head-on, creating books that are affordable, accessible, and rooted in the lived experiences of Black families.

“Our children deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow as anyone else,” she says. “Language shouldn’t be a barrier—it should be an opportunity to connect, explore, and expand their horizons.”

By introducing children to bilingual resources early on, Shylene believes she’s helping lay the foundation for future success. “Learning a second language isn’t just about speaking—it’s about building confidence, understanding different perspectives, and preparing our children for a global economy.”

Building a Movement, One Book at a Time

The impact of Shylene’s work is already being felt. Families across the country are turning to her books as a trusted resource for bilingual learning, and educators are incorporating them into classrooms to promote diversity and language acquisition. Her journey has even attracted the attention of community leaders and influencers, who are using their platforms to amplify her mission.

What’s next? For Shylene, the goal is to continue expanding her catalog of books and further develop partnerships that bring her resources to underserved communities. “I want to ensure that no child—regardless of their background—feels like they don’t have the tools to succeed,” she says.

She’s also working on developing digital resources and interactive learning tools to complement her books, making bilingual learning even more immersive and accessible for children everywhere.

For USBC Media readers, Shylene’s story is a reminder that change often starts with seeing a problem and daring to create a solution. Her message is simple but powerful: When children of color see themselves reflected in the tools they use to learn, they don’t just imagine success—they achieve it.

Stay connected with USBC Media for more stories of entrepreneurs and visionaries who are reshaping the future of Black education, business, and beyond.